Resident Jayne Scotland, said: “It’s frightening what speeds people are travelling at – sometimes it’s in excess of 100mph.

“We take our life in our hands every time we pull out on to the main road. It’s just a matter of time before someone is killed.”

She has written to the agency and to their MP Anne McIntosh asking for help. Miss Scotland, a sales rep, of Main Street explained that there have been three serious accidents on the village’s tiny stretch of A64 since April 18.

The first involved a resident who was hit as she turned across the road into the village. The road was closed and the driver was taken to hospital.

The second, on May 16, saw a driver heading towards Scarborough swerve to avoid an overtaking car and plough into a hedge.

And on May 29, a resident turning out of the village was rammed from behind. The road was closed and all traffic including HGVs and Coastliner buses were redirected through the village.

Miss Scotland, who lives with her partner Neil and his two children, said that during one accident a car mounted the pavement, went across the path - where children walk to school - and through the hedge into their garden.

Residents have even discussed clubbing together to buy a speed camera to highlight the issue and gather evidence of the problem.

They are hoping for a 30 mph restriction to be put in place, but would welcome something along the lines of what has been done in Wilton, on the A170 near Thornton-le-Dale.

The village has 40 mph limit signs in place, along with road markings and rumble strips.

Miss Scotland said: “This is definitely the kind of thing we’re hoping for. Ideally the limit would be 30 mph, but if 40 was offered we would take it and say thank you very much.”

She added: “If some from the Highways Agency were to sit in my house any day of the week they would know that a speed restriction is a necessity.

“But they are refusing to even come and meet us to discuss our concerns.”

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for the Highways Agency.

“We continually monitor our network and work with the police to identify any safety issues, and to promote improvements where necessary.

“We are aware of safety concerns raised by Ms Scotland with the Highways Agency relating to the A64 at Ganton, and at West Heslerton following a fatality earlier this year, which is currently the subject of a police investigation and Coroner’s inquest.

“Until the findings of these inquiries are known, it would be inappropriate for the Highways Agency to take any action that might prejudice the outcome of the inquest.

“We will however meet with local residents to discuss their concerns after the outcome of the inquest is known.”

Submitted pictures by Jayne Scotland showing accident at Ganton on May 29.